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EduSCOT
Creative & Design

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Scotland

Create visual communications — branding, digital design, packaging and print — for commercial and public sector clients.

Portfolio is more important than grades

Art/Design Higher strongly recommended

Glasgow School of Art is world-ranked

Freelance and agency routes both common

Highers You Need

Typical entry: ABBB at Higher. You also need English (C) at National 5.

No specific Higher subjects are required for Graphic Designer — any combination of Highers is accepted, provided you meet the overall grade threshold.

Recommended (not required)

  • Art & Design or Graphic Communication— strongly recommended; portfolio typically required

Route to Qualification

Degree: BA (Hons) Graphic Design / Communication Design (4 years at university).

1

BA (Hons) Graphic Design (4 years)

4 years

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • Glasgow School of Art
  • Edinburgh College of Art (University of Edinburgh)
  • Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (University of Dundee)
  • Edinburgh Napier University
  • Gray's School of Art (Robert Gordon University)

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

£22,000–£26,000

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£30,000–£38,000

5–10 years experience

Scottish junior designer entry salary; senior designer/creative director £40,000–£55,000+. Freelance earnings vary widely.

EduSCOT note

For Scottish art school entry, the portfolio is the primary selection criterion — not Higher grades. Strong N5 or Higher Art & Design is expected as evidence of drawing and design ability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Graphic Designer in Scotland?▾
No specific Higher subjects are required to become a Graphic Designer in Scotland — though you will need English (C) at National 5. The typical offer grade is ABBB.
Which Scottish universities offer BA?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Graphic Designer careers: Glasgow School of Art, Edinburgh College of Art (University of Edinburgh), Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (University of Dundee), Edinburgh Napier University, Gray's School of Art (Robert Gordon University). Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Graphic Designer in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 4 years.
What is the salary for a Graphic Designer in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Graphic Designer in Scotland is typically £22,000–£26,000. Mid-career salary is typically £30,000–£38,000. Scottish junior designer entry salary; senior designer/creative director £40,000–£55,000+. Freelance earnings vary widely.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Graphic Designer in Scotland?▾
There is currently no Graduate Apprenticeship route for Graphic Designer in Scotland. The standard route is the BA (Hons) Graphic Design (4 years).
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Graphic Designer degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying BA at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 4-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.